HI/O Show: Nilan returns from ‘upper-body’ injury

Former Canadien Chris Nilan, recovered from an upper-body injury (dental surgery), returns as the guest on this week’s HI/O Show on The Gazette’s hockeyinsideout.com website, joining columnist Dave Stubbs and sports editor/host Stu Cowan.

The main topic of conversation is the Canadiens’ four-game sweep of the Tampa Bay Lightning in their first-round playoff series and how they pulled it off.

Other topics discussed include:

The impact anthem singer Ginette Reno had or didn’t have on the Canadiens.

Will the long rest before the second round help or hurt the Habs?

What happened with Rene Bourque?

The four set lines and depth the Canadiens now enjoy.

Who should the Habs want to meet in the next round: Boston or Detroit?

Taster, from Bradley, responding to a question about how his faking is all over Twitter:

“That’s why they’re on Twitter and I’m in the NHL,” Marchand said, according to CSNNE’s Joe Haggerty.

You just can’t beat the bit of class, eh?

peiKC, 23 April, 2014

yes, welcome back Chris. I think from now on, being a staunch Habs fan and true Canadian or en, I was surprised and rather shocked to hear mr. maclean say that the NHL shouldn’t have used a “French” referee for last nights game. My playoffs will be observed on RDS even though I can;t speak French.

To suggest that the Montreal Canadiens get favourable calls is absurd and places a pall over the entire playoffs. We have our share of poor calls but lately we are rising above that and playing through the adversity.

This is becoming a very special playoff……….things seem to be going our way, not only because we are managing to get a few calls in our favour but the team is playing as a team for the first time this year and I think Mr. Gallant has a big part in that.

My friends, enjoy the ride, I think we’re going far.

PEIKC

BriPro, 23 April, 2014

What were you doing Jim?
Re-loading the page so that you could post first on the new thread?

Geez buddy…. are you bored? There are still at least 7 days to go before the next round. Time for the worm farm!

Habitant in Surrey, 23 April, 2014

@Ronn

…I also am impressed by Gerard Gallant in what He brings to making the work required under Therrien ‘fun’

…J.J. I have been more circumspect as I have felt Tinordi, Beaulieu should have been integrated by now …and, Pateryn given some ice during the season to encourage Him

…but, in the end, what can I credibly say against Bouillion and Weaver …We are very deep, up front, on D, and in goal

…Bergevin, so far, has been a magician

…the whole Organization, from marketing, management, player development, coaching and the Boys on the ice …We haven’t seen this professionalism in decades

…and, finally, ‘great’ organizations start at the top …Geoff Molson has enabled all of this

…I hope Geoff is rewarded with a Cup

…has been fun so far

ont fan, 23 April, 2014

Cooper on Habs, Their top 4 defense and goalie played better than ours. They were very good. They also played a lot in our end, which they didn’t do during the regular season. They deserved to win.

BriPro, 23 April, 2014

Chris, Your alter-ego just posted the same thing on the previous thread.
(side note… I agree 100%)

hansolo, 23 April, 2014

(Repost from the end of the other thread)

Great win by the Habs last night. To quote our fearless leader, “Never in doubt.” Although, to listen to the Canadian media, you wouldn’t be blamed for thinking Tampa Bay was on the northern shore of Lake Ontario rather than the Gulf of Mexico. Cooper and the Lightning did such a wonderful job against insurmountable odds: the penalty, the goal that didn’t count, obvious French-Canadian bias, 12 playoff rookies (all of whom NOW know “what it takes to win at this level”), Bishop’s injury, blah, blah. Yes, but they got swept! Don’t the Habs deserve any credit? We’ll get to all of that LATER, at least on the NHL network.

On another note, now that I see them more, I must say I don’t get what’s so special about the Western Conference. At least the Avs have some flair. Hawks-Blues and Sharks-Kings hardly will win fans over to hockey. The word that comes to mind is “lumbering. ” And the high sticks and the headshots? Over 100 hits per game for the Sharks-Kings series, and I can’t think of anything I’d rather watch less. At least the Hawks can play a skilled game when it’s needed. I’m not sure the Kings could to save their (playoff) lives.

Habitant in Surrey, 23 April, 2014

…I’ve got lots of alter-egos, which One specifically are You referring ?

D Mex, 23 April, 2014

If he can figure out which leg it was, he should arrange to get it looked at by Dr Recchi … a prescription for mustard & embellish with the hot dog

ALWAYS Habs –
D Mex

DipsyDoodler, 23 April, 2014

Surrey

Yeah lower St.Laurent is slowly but surely being gentrified. The one holdout is Cleopatra, a strip club. The owner’s been refusing to leave for years now.

I think we just lived through the fastest series of the season, and I don’t mean a 4-game sweep.
I mean foot-speed.
These two teams were faster than any other team I’ve watched in this first round. And I’ve watched all of them.

If Montreal can keep clicking and stay healthy and deep, (at risk of sounding over-confident and cocky), I think they go the distance.

Although I was wrong in my prediction for the first round (I took Habs A-team in 5, their B-team in 7), I’m hoping that I’m right this time.

Habfan10912, 23 April, 2014

Well I was FIRST to welcome him back. Doesn’t that count?

Habfan10912, 23 April, 2014

Just the luck of the draw. I haven’t heard to much from our Plek bashing friends lately, have you?

Un Canadien errant, 23 April, 2014

It always happens, I spend more than a couple minutes on a post, and by the time I hit “Submit”, there are already a dozen posts up on a new thread.

Here’s a ***Repost***:

What a crock that apology from Ron McLean is, and the statement from his boss, that said it had “nothing to do with francophone…”

First HNIC and TSN, to feed their news cycle, hype up a controversy about a disallowed goal, when experts like Kerry Fraser and Stéphane Auger clearly explain that it was a correct call. They blithely ignore them and immediately pass the mike to Jeff O’Neil and P.J. Stock so that they can ‘disagree’ and ramble on how that goal should have counted.

Then Ron McLean, after the win, when the series is over, keeps feeding the ‘controversy’, clearly stating that the French-Canadian referee shouldn’t have been appointed to work that game, to quell any suspicion Tampa might have had. Yet Tampa was quite sober in its post-game comments, they were measured and fatalistic, not really blaming the officiating. Ron still took the two extra steps to feed the beast.

In the olden days it would have been phone calls he’d have to worry about, but now it’s instantaneous, he gets shelled on Twitter, and clumsily backtracks, trying to indicate that it’s the ‘local’ angle he’s worried about, not French-Canadian refs per se. Except in his decades on air, he’s never, ever raised the issue of a Port Alberni ref working a Canucks game, or a Brampton ref working a Leafs game. Canadian citizens John Smith or Joe Brown can work any game coast to coast to coast, but Canadian citizen Jean Côté must be restricted to only certain games.

HNIC used to be a quality program, almost stodgy in its approach. Dick Irvin, Dave Hodge, there were excellent broadcasters working there who provided valuable programming to the Canadian public. Now that they’re a lame duck, I get pangs of regret, I fear what the clowns at Sportsnet will do, the onslaught of cretinism and commercialization that will swamp us next season, but I have to be realistic. The putrid corpse that is being “Weekend at Bernie’s”‘ed as the current incarnation of HNIC, with P.J. Stock and Don Cherry and Gary Galley and now even Ron McLean, must be interred.

———————————————————————–My sources are unreliable, but their info is fascinating.–Woody Paige

Hey Bri. A Detriot/Hab series would be s good one as well. I really though Tampa’s defense had trouble with the Canadiens speed.

Watching the Habs transition game is one of my favorite things to see in sports today. We saw a lot of that the last week.

Habfan10912, 23 April, 2014

Its been fun indeed my friend. CHeers.

Un Canadien errant, 23 April, 2014

**Re-posted reply:**

Interesting how enthusiastic Dale Weise is about coach J.J. Daigneault, having played under him at Hartford in the Rangers organization. He used the words: “I love that guy!”

piper, 23 April, 2014

I wonder who cooper sees as the top four because Weaver and Frankie were better than theirs too.

Lafleurguy, 23 April, 2014

15 minutes may the record for largest gap between first and second. Similar to Bob Beamon’s long jump record.

BriPro, 23 April, 2014

Not much.

Habfan10912, 23 April, 2014

Well THIS is what ALWAYS happens to me.
I posted something early this morning with my personal view on HNIC and the lack of fair journalism and sensationalism that rules the day their. All for the almighty dollar.

You sir have said it much more distinctly and concise then I. That is what always happens.

Ozmodiar, 23 April, 2014

The apology is useless. The genie’s out of the bottle. We now know MacLean’s thoughts on such matters.

Lafleurguy, 23 April, 2014

But you were FIRST! And UCe couldn’t be prouder of you.

hansolo, 23 April, 2014

You are absolutely right. It was a crock and nothing he could say will ever make it otherwise. I remember watching the Bruins-Habs game where PK took out Marchand with a massive butt-check and all Maclean could go on about was an imaginary slew-foot PK delivered.

I’m old enough to remember Rene Lacavalier, Gilles Tremblay, Richard Garneau and Lionel Duval. None of them would have stooped to this level, not even for Chris F Lee.

Habitant in Surrey, 23 April, 2014

…there’s a lot of good karma on Our Team

…I hope it’s not going away anytime soon

Habfan10912, 23 April, 2014

I’m not the brightest bulb in this room to begin with. People like you and UcE make it even worse. But I’m a happy dummy.

Lafleurguy, 23 April, 2014

Repost (from some time in the past):
I insist you stop being so hard on yourself.

Habfan10912, 23 April, 2014

I thought the apology was worse, Oz.

CH Marshall, 23 April, 2014

Lol. Cooper trying to get his little insults in with his comments.

Commandant, 23 April, 2014

I’m sick of all the crap. Goalie Injuries, Latvian goalies, french referees, all of it is crap and none of it was the difference in the series. The Habs were the better team, my rant/analysis.

Although i did like Cooper`s style as a person i did not find that he was a very good coach. He took many wrong decisions that had a definite impact on the final issue of his season. Way too easy to sum it up with injuries, you are supposed to deal with those as every team should.
Defense was awful,Callahan was invisible,Paquette was sticking like a sore thumb, wrong choice of goaler, no offensive variety,left experienced veteran on the bench and chose to play rookies. Not impressive.

Ozmodiar, 23 April, 2014

Erik Cole – healthy scratch tonight.

/ semi-retired?

Where’s the 5%’ers who thought it was a bad trade?

Lafleurguy, 23 April, 2014

My perfect hindsight, TBay was the easiest possible matchup, easier than Columbus or Detroit (Blueshirts and Broadstreet Psychos were on a collision course for weeks in accordance with the new playoff rules).

Ozmodiar, 23 April, 2014

Don’t worry, Boston series coming up.

That should put an end to all the crap, right? RIGHT?!?!

DipsyDoodler, 23 April, 2014

Well said.

—–
Moving. Forward.

CH Marshall, 23 April, 2014

Well, once Vanek leaves, we’ll have to find another winger. Guess Cole can ride off into the sunset with millions in the bank

24AW, 23 April, 2014

What a joke with Marchand, limping on the right leg and was hit on the left, below the knee. when he skates off the ice all his weight was on his left leg/knee supposingly the one that got hurt in the mean time bending the right as if it was hurt, that has to be the joke of the playoffs so far. sure sucked the refs in, too dumb to notice what leg he was holding up when he was helped off the ice.

Lafleurguy, 23 April, 2014

Ryder’s expiring contract freed up the moola used to get Briere. And who was the 3rd round pick, Fucale?, Crisp?, __?

Maritime Ronn, 23 April, 2014

Surrey
I won’t repost ’cause it looks like we’re on the same repost page.

Stanley Cup or Bust !, 23 April, 2014

The question is, did DD make him a better player ?
On 1st thought no, but what do I know.

Habitant in Surrey, 23 April, 2014

JF, 23 April, 2014

I agree. I can excuse or understand his choice of goaltender; Gudlevskis is only 21 and had played all of one NHL game, and Lindback had done very well in the last week of the season. He was also solid in Game three after the first goal. But the defence had trouble with our speed and made a lot of errors, and Cooper did not adjust to the Habs’ aggressive forecheck. As for Paquette, it’s certainly puzzling that he was on the ice in the last minute of the game, especially as he had been at fault on two of the three goals the Habs had already scored.

Habs4LifeInTO, 23 April, 2014

I saw Cooper as very high school with his schtick. I was surprised at how unprofessional and unsophisticated he appeared to be.

24 cups and counting….

Habs4LifeInTO, 23 April, 2014

MacLean and his HNIC crew should all be let go. I miss Danny Gallivan and Dick Irvin…real gentlemen!

Boston and Habs series will be nothing like the Lightning one, toughness will be the difference. toughest team wins. not saying the Habs didn’t deserve to win, they played great but they didn’t have to play tough, Bruins will change that, beat them in the alley or go home with nothing.

——————————————————————————————————
‘This organization going forward must set its sights on competing for the game’s ultimate prize every season — and no lesser standard should be accepted.’
—Geoff Molson, Canadiens owner and president

The White Noise machine they use to drive prisoners crazy at Guantanamo Bay > Rene Rancourt.

—–
Moving. Forward.

DipsyDoodler, 23 April, 2014

I think toughness against Boston will mean bend but don’t break and stick to your game plan.

—–
Moving. Forward.

Habfan10912, 23 April, 2014

Winner!

habcertain, 23 April, 2014

you just mentioned French media Habs analysts, pretty sure they will say supportive things about the home team, kind of the way it works.

JUST ME, 23 April, 2014

Just heard Elliotte Friedman explanations on TSN on the McLean affair that happened yesterday and you can feel that the fit had fit the shan today.
Still it was not very intelligent on McLean`s part to go on that subject as it seems was not supposed to be discussed or planned in production meeting. It was a well thought subject from McLean that did not come instantly… Friedman did want to let people know that he took full responsability for adding the word french in the conversation wich McLean was not going to add…
Who to believe or not…It`s just that if i make that kind of mistake at my private company when i am supposed to be the image of the company , i`ll have a meeting with the boss and get a 4% gift..Not a chance it happens at the CBC.

actually there have been many occasions where it has been commented on, what part of Canada a ref was from vs the game he was doing. my only explanation is passions run so high for teams and the game, local media has a hard time thinking refs can overlook their personal favorites. this really is a distinctive Canadian thing, never hear of it in any sport in the US. International soccer maybe guilty of it also.

Habitant in Surrey, 23 April, 2014

… Beret Bleu’s zenith was pre-Drapeau, when ‘anything’ went

…it’s where the City’s mayor, police chief, priests and rabbis, and if there were any Mullahs in the day, that’s where they would be with a half-naked stripper on each knee

…it was where this precocious 13 year old learned of the birds and bees …a tenant in My father’s building in NDG was a courtesan of one of The Gazette’s best sports writers, often left alone she would ring Me up to ‘change her light bulbs’ (at least that is what I explained to My concerned Mom )

…anyhow, bored waiting for his infrequent visits to her apartment, she would take Me down to the Beret to schmooze with her girlfriends

…well, for a 13 year old sitting at the back of the club or in the strippers dressing room was an eye-opening experience

…she enjoyed pointing out to Me the customers of the day, …’that’s the fire chief’ …’he’s the big boss of Sun Life’ …he’s the Chief Rabbi of …. ‘ …he’s Monsigneur ….. ‘

…My Goodness, I grew up fast !

…Montreal pre-Drapeau was a hoot

habcertain, 23 April, 2014

you are not paid to be controversial at work, media guys are.

mark-ID, 23 April, 2014

So in the Canadiens last 20 games including the playoffs…their record is 15-3-1. Not too shabby, I must say. Somewhere, Timo is impressed.

“I think I may have found a way for us to get Griffey and Bonds, and we really won’t have to give up much” -Costanza

Dunboyne Mike, 23 April, 2014

Is there a delay with news about Cooke? Or is this normal? His in-person hearing was scheduled for this afternoon.

Timo, 23 April, 2014

Key for Habs will be not to get sucked into Bruins’ tactics. Habs will have to make all the effort to play THEIR game and not to try and out-rough the Bruins.

Habitant in Surrey, 23 April, 2014

…Beret Bleu explained below Dipsy

Timo, 23 April, 2014

Somewhere next round I can see media types like McLean and other laffs blowhards saying that Habs can’t complain about questionable refereeing because blah blah blah, TB series, more blah blah, french refs, more blah blah.

I hate HNIC crew.

Habfan10912, 23 April, 2014

They’re usually announced shortly after the hearing. I’m guessing (and its a Jim guess so take with a grain of salt) that the players association may be consulted as the proverbial book may be thrown at Cooke.

Timo, 23 April, 2014

So is Teemu Selane.

Dunboyne Mike, 23 April, 2014

Thanks Jim. I’d have no problem seeing him ba**ed, permanently or even just the playoffs. His reform is clearly over.

habsfan0, 23 April, 2014

My predictions, so far:

APRIL 14, 2014 AT 8:43 AM
Predictions are for gypsies.
Nevertheless,here are mine:
Montreal over Tampa Bay √
Detroit over Boston
Columbus over Pittsburgh
Philadelphia over Rangers
Chicago over St. Louis
Colorado over Minnesota
Anaheim over Dallas
San Jose over LA

johnnylarue, 23 April, 2014

At least you got the most important one right…

Habitant in Surrey, 23 April, 2014

…a good thing McLean’s brain-dead remarks were made post-Quebec election …or We’ll still be persevering Herr Marois as Premier

HIO with its small budget puts on very interesting shows, while HNIC with its mega budget,, is offending and boring lots to times.

HardHabits, 23 April, 2014

So where’s the show?

UKRAINIANhab, 23 April, 2014

Pretty cool story.

So my son just won his battle with that awful disease called cancer, not only was it the hardest time of his life but also mine. I sent an email to my friend in the Canadiens organization, he knew about all my son went through and I told him “If you get my Cam a signed Plekanec jersey it will make him forget about everything and move on”. So I got a call from Canada Post this morning, and boom. There was Cameron’s signed jersey and a nice hand written note from his favourite player Tomas Plekanec. We truly do support a first class organization my friends!

johnnylarue, 23 April, 2014

You gotta wonder how in the Nine Circles of Hell this sociopath is still playing hockey… like, who’s sticking up for this a$$clown??

The mind boggles mightily.

mark-ID, 23 April, 2014

That’s awsome man. Congrats to your family, great news. He chose a great player to be his favourite also!

“I think I may have found a way for us to get Griffey and Bonds, and we really won’t have to give up much” -Costanza

habcertain, 23 April, 2014

great story, good to hear your son is a winner also.

The Jackal, 23 April, 2014

I’m glad to hear that ordeal is over and that your son is well.
Very classy move by Pleks and the Habs too.
All the best UKRAINIANhab!

______________________
Hockey sine stercore tauri.

The Jackal, 23 April, 2014

Great post UCE, but haven’t you heard? As the old Valyrian saying goes, all posts must die (assuming you’re a Game of Thrones fan anyway). And credit that last saying to our resident poster Captain Pike.

______________________
Hockey sine stercore tauri.

shiram, 23 April, 2014

Hidden by adblock.

Captain Pike, 23 April, 2014

Health and happiness to your son UH.
I hope he and the rest of us ca all enjoy a long run from the team this spring.

☼

habcertain, 23 April, 2014

Is it on you tube, the knee

ont fan, 23 April, 2014

Heard Cooper interviewed today. Surprised he would go on radio so soon after lose. Very articulate, gave full value to Habs. A week ago, was getting ready for first game and it’s already over. Big let down and a little embarrassed they couldn’t extend series.

habsfan0, 23 April, 2014

CHeers!
A really nice,touching story.

Habfan17, 23 April, 2014

I really think that the draft positions should only be determined by the regular season final standings, not the playoffs! Teams should not be penalized for doing well in the play offs, especially if they squeezed in as the 16th team.

Habfan17

DipsyDoodler, 23 April, 2014

I don’t know about the rest of you, but Surrey has got me impressed.

( and interested to hear more)

—–
Moving. Forward.

hansolo, 23 April, 2014

Congratulations to you and to your son. Great story!

HardHabits, 23 April, 2014

Got it. Thanks.

Loop_Garoo, 23 April, 2014

Congratulations to you and your son. Great story!!

montreal ace, 23 April, 2014

Great news for your family, best wishes

Loop_Garoo, 23 April, 2014

ok, so what are the odds of that, the exact same comment at the same time

I can’t believe Cooper is getting any criticism at all after watching d-bags like the Walrus over the years. Cooper is a class act compared to the other losers out there.

Loop_Garoo, 23 April, 2014

Again though, every major news outlet, from the CBC to the hockey news to TSN, has said clearly, that the Habs were the better team. They talked about why, and part of it is goaltending, and the rest is about how to increase ratings for your channel/web site. I think most of this controversy on this site was invented here, besides the Mclean thing.

Dunboyne Mike, 23 April, 2014

So happy for your son and for you and your family, Uke.

frontenac1, 23 April, 2014

Bruins vs The Habs. Playoff match up I’ve been waiting all year for. Habs in 6 maybe even 5. Bring it on!

Cooper is great with the kids. He made a rookie mistake, firing up the Habs in game 3. I like the guy though, but who gives a sh#t now? They’re playing Golf. Bring on the Bruins.Saludos!

Mavid, 23 April, 2014

So happy for you congrats! I hate cancer..it has taken so many amazing people from me, good to hear that it was beaten.. Interesting coincidence my friend Gerry has a son and his name is Cam as well, his son is also battling cancer, hope he is as fortunate as you..great great news!!

Weed Wacker Grandma Smurf

Loop_Garoo, 23 April, 2014

yes, we know that as a referee himself, he was worried about how other people would react to this ref if something went wrong. Mclean bores me and I wish HNIC would drop him, but what he said has been grossly twisted and mis-interpreted. Yes, it was mis-guided as well, as he should have known some grab this comment and run with it. I can guarantee what the CBC bosses said to Mclean “listen , we all know this is stupid, so just throw out and apology and we’ll all move on”

Mavid, 23 April, 2014

you are so right..hell on us if we complain about any type of questionable officiating because after all look at all the gifts we were given..friggen right bla bla bla bla…bla bla

Weed Wacker Grandma Smurf

UKRAINIANhab, 23 April, 2014

Thanks guys. : )

Mavid, 23 April, 2014

Nine circles..you sure its not eight or maybe ten?

Weed Wacker Grandma Smurf

HardHabits, 23 April, 2014

The pundits are having a hard time giving credit where credit is due.

I am not a fan of Corsi/Fenwick, at least not to the point of poring over data. However, puck-possession and the amount of scoring chances created versus given up, are highly important indicators (as are takeaways/giveaways and plus/minus). The Habs dominated in all these categories and more. I am not even so sure Bishop would have made all that much of a difference considering the plethora of quality scoring chances the Habs had. During the regular season play was very peripheral, whereas in the series with Tampa Bay, Habs players were constantly driving the net and getting into scoring position. It remains to be seen who they will face next round and whether or not they will be capable of doing the same.

One thing’s for sure. I prefer this aggressive forecheck, bottling up the neutral zone, turning over pucks, generating quality scoring chances style of play than the reliance on shot blocking, unable to clear the defensive zone, lack of puck possession, giving up too many shots one.

Habitant in Surrey, 23 April, 2014

…GREAT news Jaro …God’s blessing to Your Boy

Just a Habs Fan, 23 April, 2014

You know what..it’s the people that react to Ron’s comments like JUST ME that has an agenda of their own. You guys are eithere joking or plain dumb. Yes McLean’s remarks have sparked a storm but he didn’t mean them as most are choosing to spew here. So I see it as your problem and not his. Actually you make me kind of sick with your petty twisting of things.

HardHabits, 23 April, 2014

Lots of people salivating for a Bruins-Habs match-up. I included.

Willy the bum, 23 April, 2014

True, but people thinks he’s no Patrick Roy.

To me, I actually like Cooper. Really love his interviews. He has a second career as a laywer, so he knows what to say. Civil, logical, with a dash of deadpan humour. Plus he looks like Michael Keaton. I somehow picture there’s Batman behind the Lightning bench.

But Cooper is a rookie playoff coach, and he got so much learning on this series, along with the rookie players on the team. Hope they’ll come back in the playoff spot next year.

AceMagnum, 23 April, 2014

I love the SAIL commercial with the Sasquatch. That’s exactly what they look like. I saw one at Bear Skin Lodge between Sudbury and Sault-St Marie in 2000.
—————————-
CBC sucks ass

24 Cups, 23 April, 2014

Commandant – Two very quick points. Stamkos was injured part way thru the series so I think that’s a factor in his regard.

As for Bishop, you really think his absence was not a factor? Do you think the series would still be going on if the Habs didn’t have Price in net?

Montreal really stepped up and played a great series. However, they caught some major breaks. Let’s leave the homerism on the sidelines. I’m ecstatic about the Hab win but I’m also grateful. I think there’s a middle line there in all of that discussion.

Bring on the Bruins!

24.4 Cups

Willy the bum, 23 April, 2014

Love to see the Habs-Bruins war in the second round. But as many wins from the Red Wings gives more time for the Habs to heal and the injured will come back, if there’s spots in the winning line-up.

I wouldn’t mind a Habs-Red Wings meet-up as well. Therefore, they should keep the line-up as it is. Against the Bruins, Habs need size in Murray, Tinordi, White, Moen, and Parros (the latter player may be unlikely, but I rather see him in hope of not getting a Habs forward in the line-up injured by a Bruin).

Mr. Biter, 23 April, 2014

How can anyone argue with this prediction?
When series dates are finalized, might have a chance to go to a playoff game. Supplier said he could get me a ticket n/c but I have to fly in. Where would be a good place to stay near the Bell Centre and what bar would I find some H/IO’s posters before and after the game?

Mr. Biter
No Guts No Glory

Chuck Kept Calm and Carey’d On, 23 April, 2014

Ha ha… dumbass.

Wait… I thougth that according to coach Julien that the didn’t embellish.

X X X X 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

L Elle, 23 April, 2014

I liked Cooper during the regular season, but during the playoffs, I found him to be incompetent, probably due to lack of experience.

After the 1st game, he said, they worked so hard for home ice, and now they’ve lost it. At the expense of overusing and over relying on Bishop. Goalie mismanagement.

After the 2nd game, he said, it’s not a must win game, not like they were about to be eliminated. Wtf Jon? Every game in the playoffs is a must win game, especially going back to the Bell Centre, down 2 games.

Having 5 guys all in a line along one side is a crappy system to win games.

I could go on, but the number 1 reason he annoyed me was, instead of giving our Habs credit, he whined about calls and bad luck. He was outcoached, dare I say, in this series, MT ruled.

I hate it when grown men whine.

L Elle, 23 April, 2014

Continued health for your son Uh! Can’t even imagine what you went through.

Glad the Habs were there for him.

JohnBellyful, 23 April, 2014

One more reason to cheer for the Habs.
Best wishes to your son.
That’s a souvenir he’ll treasure for decades to come.

habcertain, 23 April, 2014

I didn’t think it looked that bad, Cooke’s leg was out there the whole time, he didn’t move out to hit him.

habcertain, 23 April, 2014

I think the stock answer is Novotel, then Hurleys for cocktails and food.

Biter! Best Western on Drummond St. Downtown. Chez Pare and 24 hour Dunns right there! My favourite. 10 min to both Crescent st and Bell Centre. Indoor parking across the street. Saludos!

AceMagnum, 23 April, 2014

UKRAINIANhab, 23 April, 2014

CHeers. Thx again.

frontenac1, 23 April, 2014

Cooke and Lucic are the poster boys for the elimination of the Instigator Rule.

Dunboyne Mike, 23 April, 2014

You could be right. It would appear to be the minority view, however.

UKRAINIANhab, 23 April, 2014

Sure it wasn’t a bear? Lol

kempie, 23 April, 2014

That’s where ya see ‘em alright.

punkster, 23 April, 2014

So you would gut a winning line up to insert these 4?

Exactly who do you displace?

Release the Subbang!!!

johnnylarue, 23 April, 2014

I’m equally stunned by the metamorphosis this team has gone through in the past week or two… They’re virtually unrecognizable.

We could maybe cite 1 or 2 games from the regular season (Chicago shutout comes to mind) where the Habs played a truly complete, 200-foot/60-minute game, but the degree to which they owned the ice against the Lightning was ridiculous. They absolutely destroyed TB in the neutral zone, and limited the majority of their chances in the Habs end to those of the ‘one and done’ variety.

Getting 100 points in a season is absolutely respectable, but I saw nothing in their play this season that suggested they’d be capable of taking a series against the Lightning in 4, Bishop or no Bishop. Weird, wild stuff.

Willy the bum, 23 April, 2014

Bad luck, sure. But I didn’t hear Cooper whine about bad calls. During the post-interview in Game 3, he explained the refs have the final calls and there’s nothing to do. What he said about calling the Callahan’s goal good was his own opinion. I don’t think he whined about it, but he’s pissed off, and has the right to be pissed. Like all NHL coaches.

Claude Julian on the other hand, to explain his team as classy and very respectable in the league… hilarious.

Yeah, I grew up in that part of the country, used to see them all the time. Always getting into the garbage.

habcertain, 23 April, 2014

It would be hard to pull a forward since all played well, Weaver or Cube could sit for Tiny or Murray, my concern is the Bruins would look to rag doll us in the 1st game and set a tone, we can’t fall into the scenario of the Sens like last year. MT will not change anyone until he loses. If we go with the current line up the Bruins go for the goon attack immediately.

punkster, 23 April, 2014

And Chucky would be the first forward choice.

I can see Murray in the event of a D injury but would prefer Tinordi.

Release the Subbang!!!

Rockhabsfan, 23 April, 2014

Anyone have any intel on the start date for round 2? Debating whether to buy tickets on pre-sale tomorrow…

habcertain, 23 April, 2014

Lived in Thunder Bay, they are walking the streets like they own them.

CJ, 23 April, 2014

Congratulations! You made my night. Class act on Pleks, but I’m not surprised. Price did something similar for me with three young cousins who lost their dad (my uncle).

punkster, 23 April, 2014

So when, exactly, did the br00nz “rag doll” the Habs this season?

Therrien and this team team are not likely to be as panic stricken as some Hab fans, and likely have far more self confidence.

They’re in a groove..you win with your best on the ice and playing your game, not the other team’s game.

Release the Subbang!!!

habcertain, 23 April, 2014

They did it with the DD going cold, can Bourque and company keep it up?

Habitant in Surrey, 23 April, 2014

…I can see those Guys eventually may be put in, but the group that zeroed Tampa should be trusted/allowed to start the next series

…for Myself, Bouillion and Weaver defy all logic to be playing rather than Tinordi and Beaulieu, but will not argue with results so far

…if it ain’t broke, don’t fix-it

johnnylarue, 23 April, 2014

I understand the logic, but outside of 1-2 games in the past two seasons, physical domination has not been a factor in Bruins victories against the Habs.

You don’t beat the Bruins at their own game–they’re absolutely peerless when it comes to playing like slimy turds on skates. You beat them by out skating them, by exploiting their relatively sluggish D corps, and most importantly by getting into their heads by playing the game of hockey and not engaging in their remedial schoolyard bully antics.

The Bruins are easy prey once they lose their cool and concentration, and the Habs are among the best when it comes to triggering their idiot rage.

Willy the bum, 23 April, 2014

I don’t really know, in my opinion. I’m glad I’m not the coach.

But it will be hard that if it’s the Bruins who advance, there will be injuries, and likely valuable to the series.

For example, let’s say Markov gets injured, who should be replaced? Tough to say, because there’s hardly a player who can match Markov’s skill and talent. Or a forward like Pacioretty, who came out swinging from the game-winning goal. With him out, who can replace him with Deshairnais and Vanek? And if they have the time to gel in together?

Again, not sure who should be in the lineup. But I do worry that as many days off resting before an Original Six match round, there will be valuable injuries during it.

HIO Dev, 23 April, 2014

Hi all,

If you’re unable to view the Show, I’d like to help.

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If you do not have ad blocking software and still have trouble seeing the show, please respond to this comment and

Habs made Tampa look very bad. I don’t doubt Cooper needed to come out and say that. But, the over emphasis on other elements, other than he was outplayed and outcoached, to me at least, sounded like whining. Like, “Poor us. nothing went our way, or we were winning this series”.

Tampa was not winning this series, notwithstanding luck or calls .

Commandant, 23 April, 2014

I honestly believe that you put two equal goaltenders in this series and its still a sweep. Montreal had more and better scoring chances in every game.

Is Ben Bishop a better goalie than Carey Price? I don’t believe he is. Maybe he takes the first game when Price was off his game, but overall, I think its still 3-1 Montreal, and probably over in 5.

Then you had CBC telling us that if they only started the Latvian kid they would have won game 4. Sorry, not buying it. The kid had a .901 save percentage in the AHL…. Yeah he had a great game in Sochi, but it was just that, one game… not a career. Anyone remember Andrei Mezin, and what he did to the Swedes in Salt Lake City? How’d that NHL career work out? How many Stanley Cup playoff series did Miracle on Ice goalie Jim Craig win?

Agreed amigo. There was no Rag dolling because Murray, Parros and White were in the line up. Expect to see them again! Saludos!

punkster, 23 April, 2014

Exactly…they’re rolling and anybody expecting to crack this roster now better be ready to play head and shoulders above their regular season play…and in that group I only see one guy with the raw talent and potential to do so in the short term.

Release the Subbang!!!

Dunboyne Mike, 23 April, 2014

Without a leg to stand on, perhaps he’ll need to walk with a Kane!

UKRAINIANhab, 23 April, 2014

Classy organization man! Pure class.

boing007, 23 April, 2014

You have something in common with Sarah Palin.

Richard R

HabFan in Edmonton, 23 April, 2014

They are getting to be a real nuisance, kind of like raccoons only bigger.

punkster, 23 April, 2014

By the way, “slimy turds on skates” may be one of the more apt descriptions of br00nz I’ve read in weeks.

Release the Subbang!!!

frontenac1, 23 April, 2014

So one of the poster boys for the Elimination of The Instigator Rule,Matt Cooke gets 7 games? Justice missed again.

Habfan10912, 23 April, 2014

7 games for Cooke.

Commandant, 23 April, 2014

Its not just the Maclean thing. It was also CBC telling us that if Gudlevskis starts the Bolts win game 4.

Everything Quintal says makes sense and is solid. Except the risible tameness of the punishment.

Chuck Kept Calm and Carey’d On, 23 April, 2014

I’m not going to hope for the Bruins or the Wings; each team has benefits for a matchup as well as drawbacks. We’ll get whomever we get. I just want to beat either team at their best. That would be most satisfying.

Dunboyne Mike, 23 April, 2014

You’re right, and it’s referred to in the DoPS video.

George Orwell would have been proud of the NHLPA’s CBA negotiating team.

Haberoooo13, 23 April, 2014

Yep…all I cheer for is for a long series

Lafleur coming out rather gingerly…

Rockhabsfan, 23 April, 2014

I think there is, but only for the financial penalty, not the number of games.

Habitant in Surrey, 23 April, 2014

…would love to hear the story of why Nilan lost His teeth

…and, Cowan asks ‘what if Lucic had speared You ?’, Chris grins and says ‘there WOULD have been a response’

…funny stuff

Loop_Garoo, 23 April, 2014

I think it all started with the acquisition of Vanek. After taking a few weeks, everything seems to be gelling nicely.

Haberoooo13, 23 April, 2014

ouch another weak one on the Ducks goalie…bring back Guy Hebert

Lafleur coming out rather gingerly…

Ton, 23 April, 2014

Question for the posters> I always said PK is at his best when he uses his speed and edges…….noticed this year he’s playing heavier on his skates……..will bulking up do this?…..wonder if he needs to fine that right balance so he can get that lighting fast quickness back. Certainly he doesn’t he doesn’t get pushed around for he’s as strong as an ox……..but like to seem him a little faster!

Chuck Kept Calm and Carey’d On, 23 April, 2014

The sad thing about the Cooke suspension is that it comes during the playoffs when the players technically don’t get paid. I don’t think that he will even have to forefit any salary.

Ton, 23 April, 2014

agree you need murray in there against boston

Willy the bum, 23 April, 2014

To me he seems fast enough.

Ton, 23 April, 2014

is it my eyes> was he faster last year or a couple of years ago?

ProHabs, 23 April, 2014

Soooo disappointing.

Butterface, 23 April, 2014

7 games for this multi multi repeat offender is a joke.

He may have lost millions in revenues for the Avs. Maybe the Avs should sue him civilly.

I’ve noticed his acceleration isn’t quite what it was before… He seems to need more strides to really get going. Might just be a perception thing though…

Ultimately, I don’t see his current speed as a liability or a weakness relative to most skaters, so not a huge deal.

CJ, 23 April, 2014

Good evening folks.

Enjoying Baie Comeau on TVA Sports this evening. I love the intensity and desire exhibited by these young men. There are but few occasions during an 82 game regular season where the paid athletes bring this same level of compete. Strangely enough, the pay checks stop and these guys bring everything they have to the postseason. Players earn their money in big games (playoffs). To this point, Bourque has drastically improved his value, while Eller and PK has improved their leverage at the bargaining table. Vanek however has not shown me enough to earn the kind of paycheck that would put him on par with Phil Kessel.

New stars will be born against the Bruins. Best case, Bourque, Eller, PK and company sustain their play, while Prust (who is clearly injured), Price, Vanek and our 5/6 defence pair all elevate their game.

Perhaps I’m showing a degree of bias, but if our team plays their game, and backs up the opponent’s defence with speed and skill, we will be a very tough out. We can not touch Boston physically, nor do we need to. We can beat them playing our game. We are an irritant, an annoyance to the mighty Bruins. The key, IMO, will be Price.

As I said this morning, Price will need a save percentage north of .930 to beat Boston. I’m not suggesting every goal this series has been stoppable, but right now pucks are finding a way to get behind him. Boston, perhaps better than any team in the league, will exploit a weakness and will pounce if they detect Price being off at all. Further, what implications does Budaj’s last starts have on either the Bruins or Price’s confidence? Will the big win on January 30th be a case of short term gain, but long term pain? The last two wins in Boston were both on the back of Budaj’s strong play.

The good news is, Price has time to adjust and course correct. Additionally, it’s great confidence when you can win, despite your best player not being at peak performance level. Nobody (subjective, I agree) wants Price to succeed more than I do. I want to win and I want to win with him. I believe he’s the right man for the job and every fibre of my being tells me he can lead us to the conference final and beyond. Yet, despite all this, when I watch him play in the postseason, whether live or on television, I find myself holding my breath each time the puck enters our zone.

So, in closing, I don’t know what to expect. Will Price be the hero we saw in Sochi, or will we see a repeat of last season’s performance against the Senators? I don’t know. That said, I’m behind him and this team 100%. A guy has to believe in something, right.

Go Habs! Cheers, CJ

Habitant in Surrey, 23 April, 2014

…I was part of the 49 % saying Bourque was the opening series MVP …yet, I would have made Lars Eller the second in the vote …Lars should have earned at least in the 25 % range

…We did this, winning the series 4-0, without a productive first-line …it will be very interesting if Our DD line can begin putting the puck in the net consistently and the other lines maintain Their present effectiveness

johnnylarue, 23 April, 2014

Pens/BJs game: I get the impression it’s a done deal. Fleury is on his game tonight, and this just feels like one of those games where, even if Columbus manages to tie it, that’s all they’re going to get.

HabsPooch, 23 April, 2014

God bless your son. A very touching story.

CJ, 23 April, 2014

IMO, PK is as good a skater as there is in the league. Skating has never been the issue with PK. Again, IMO only, the one thing that has ever stood in PK’s way is the six inches between his ears. Now that he has his swagger back, he’s one of the best. Confidence is a strange animal…..

Habitant in Surrey, 23 April, 2014

…when Our D and back/fore-checking forwards play like Team Canada played in Sochi, Carey will be super, because He is a great ‘positional’ goalie

If there’s a poll that says who will win for the second round: Boston or Detroit, Boston will win 100%.

Does anyone vote for Red Wings, or am I the only one?

johnnylarue, 23 April, 2014

OOF. Fleury.

Vintage Fleury.

Haberoooo13, 23 April, 2014

Oh MAF…WTF

Lafleur coming out rather gingerly…

CJ, 23 April, 2014

Yes! Great goal Jackets!

frontenac1, 23 April, 2014

Agree CJ. Same with Lars. Problem was between his ears.

AceMagnum, 23 April, 2014

Is your name Sebastien or Dev?
I don’t trust you…you’re like a French referee

Haberoooo13, 23 April, 2014

I’d put Gio in top tier

Lafleur coming out rather gingerly…

Willy the bum, 23 April, 2014

Weaver is a freakin’ good luck charm, in my opinion. Every time he’s on the ice, I feel safe.

slapshot777, 23 April, 2014

Man did Fleury misplay that.

To you from failing hands we throw the torch, be yours to hold it high.

Just A Guy, 23 April, 2014

What is going on in Pennsylvania tonight?! (I’m sure Bob thinks he’s in Pittsburgh :P)

johnnylarue, 23 April, 2014

Sooooo harsh. Was pitching a great game, too.

HabsPooch, 23 April, 2014

I think the best is yet to come for Price. This is HIS series (facing the Bruins) to prove all doubters wrong and he will defintely have to outplay Rask to win the series.
Our defense played well for most parts of the series against Tampa but let’s not kid ourselves, the Bruins are a different animal and healthy so far. There definitely will be great opportunities for the Bruins in front of Price and he’ll have to respond in brilliant fashion.
I really hope they throw in Tinordi over Bouillon. This is the type of series that he was drafted for.

Phil C, 23 April, 2014

Not to make excuses for Fleury, but you don’t see a puck bounce like that very often. It was really dancing.

AceMagnum, 23 April, 2014

Thanks for calling them Jackets.

freaks me out when people say ‘Great BJs’!

I’m a prude

DipsyDoodler, 23 April, 2014

What a hex!

—–
Moving. Forward.

D Mex, 23 April, 2014

Well, the good news is that it will probably carry over to next season as MIN is unlikely to advance beyond this round … you getting this Tomas ? lol –

ALWAYS Habs –
D Mex

johnnylarue, 23 April, 2014

Can we just meet halfway and call them Blow Jackets?

Haberoooo13, 23 April, 2014

Agreed…although some would be all over Price for that and being too casual on it…

Lafleur coming out rather gingerly…

AceMagnum, 23 April, 2014

So if that’s not an excuse for Fleury, what you’re saying is …even if that puck wasn’t bouncing and dancing …it still would’ve beaten him. I agree

HabsPooch, 23 April, 2014

Odds are the first line will produce in the second round…statistics have a way of rectifying themselves.

AceMagnum, 23 April, 2014

IS THAT WHAT HE SAID??

CJ, 23 April, 2014

His play in the first game was very concerning. Mind you he didn’t play as much as the series wound on, but you really get the feeling that he and Frankie are just trying to get through 30 seconds and head off. Weaver takes a major pounding almost every shift.

Phil C, 23 April, 2014

Ha, one way of looking at it. He didn’t really notice how lively it was, he should have got a pad on it or left it.

AceMagnum, 23 April, 2014

Okay…just don’t think about Blue Jobs.

Phil C, 23 April, 2014

Can you imagine MAF playing in Montreal…

Timo, 23 April, 2014

I am all for great BJs.

scuba, 23 April, 2014

Big win for the Mooseheads tonight. Drouin is too good for Junior hockey. 5 more points tonight.

Tough to see Fucale left on the bench after giving up 3 goals on the first 4 shots he faced the last two games. I’ve never seen him play this poorly.

CJ, 23 April, 2014

Agreed buddy. Cheers, CJ

Timo, 23 April, 2014

MAB and MAF together… It would be an incredible amount of awesome. And Bouillon. Holy sh!t that team would be off the hook.

D Mex, 23 April, 2014

Hi Sebastien
I did have an issue viewing the video with safari. It goes blank (white screen) in full screen mode but worked OK in normal screen.
Gracias –
D Mex

johnnylarue, 23 April, 2014

AceMagnum, 23 April, 2014

lol

Phil C, 23 April, 2014

You would be saying holy sh!t a lot.

johnnylarue, 23 April, 2014

Tough for the kid, but if anyone can rebound from that (no pun intended), it’s Fucale. Seems to have a very good head on his shoulders, that one–especially for a goalie.

johnnylarue, 23 April, 2014

Uh… Breezer?

Timo, 23 April, 2014

So CBC is going to stick with the Hawks game online and not BJs?

Nevermind… found it.

DDO_Habs_Fan, 23 April, 2014

I can’t believe what I am reading. We have a guy in charge of player safety WHO PLAYED FOR THE HABS and people are complaining? Sure his decisions are not perfect but you want to go back to the last two cretins? The Leafs did the league a favor by transferring Shanahan’s stupidity to Toronto where it will blend in nicely. Things could be a helluva lot worse.

Geezus…I’m turning into PrimeTime…LOL.

CJ, 23 April, 2014

Fucale is struggling. I wonder if it’s a health issue? This is as poorly as I’ve ever seen him play too.

On an aside, Mike Condon continues to shine. I’d be shocked if doesn’t make the Bulldogs roster next season and backs up Tokarski. Mayer was leaky this season and didn’t provide the consistent goaltending a young team requires to win

JF, 23 April, 2014

I feel the same way you do about Price. He has all the tools to do the job, and his performance in Sochi has given him the confidence. But at the moment, although he’s playing generally extremely well, he’s letting weird bounces and flukey goals get the better of him. He has to be able to handle those kinds of things if we’re to beat the Bruins. I feel pretty confident he will.

CharlieHodgeFan, 23 April, 2014

You know who isn’t mentioned in the MVP poll, and whom I wouldn’t have picked first, but would have put top three?

That guy there, you know, must I say his name, Mich, ach, okay. I can do it.

—————-
Me skull and crossbones arn’t the only thing I plan on raisin’ tonight.

Mattyleg, 23 April, 2014

Holy BJs.

—Hope Springs Eternal—

monmick, 23 April, 2014

Ugly goal. Good call Johnny…

~~~> Mathematically eliminated…

Timo, 23 April, 2014

Oh F. MAF was so bad on that OT goal. Man, he sucks. He needs Michael Therrien Personal Development Program and pronto. Good BJs!!!

marvin20, 23 April, 2014

He has bulked up by about 10 pounds from a year ago, and he is ridiculously strong. I think his positioning is better and there for his speed is less noticeable. How when he moves the puck he has very good acceleration, and tough to push off the puck.

CJ, 23 April, 2014

That was terrible…. Very weak goal.

Timo, 23 April, 2014

Hahahahah!!!

johnnylarue, 23 April, 2014

Heheh.

You know, I could almost feel bad for the guy if he didn’t have a Stanley Cup ring already…

Haberoooo13, 23 April, 2014

I’ve watched some of the Pit-Cbus and Dal-Ana game…not stellar goaltending

Lafleur coming out rather gingerly…

Timo, 23 April, 2014

Was there any other scenario under which Habs would play a team other than the Bruins-Wings winner?

johnnylarue, 23 April, 2014

Know what scares me about meeting the BeeJays in the third round (i.e. once we’ve disposed of Boston)?

R. F. J. Umberger.

naweed235, 23 April, 2014

With the new layout, the second round series determine the division winner (Winner comes out of their division to play against the other division’s winner).
Not sure if this helps…

AceMagnum, 23 April, 2014

So you’ve presupposed that BJs “blows” past New York or Philly too.

I just wanted to say that….Oh man…Millen just said the “Ref Blows it down” on TV….Its too much

johnnylarue, 23 April, 2014

Also of note: Chicago are now guilty by association for sheltering such an unrepentant douchebag as Punkin’ Duncan Keith. I hope they lose spectacularly.

DDO_Habs_Fan, 23 April, 2014

MB went out and got the hottest goaltending coach for Price. What did Shero get for MAF? The psychologist from the Simpsons? If Shero beats out MB again for best GM, I’m going to be sick…

johnnylarue, 23 April, 2014

The filth… IT’S ALL AROUND YOU, ACE!!!

DipsyDoodler, 23 April, 2014

Marvin Monroe?

—–
Moving. Forward.

habsfan0, 23 April, 2014

In all likelihood,this will be Fleury’s last year in Pittsburgh.
The Laffs will probably pick him up to replace the soon to be gone James Reimer.

I can only imagine how demoralizing it must be for the rest of the team to lose in the playoffs because of inconsistent goaltending… a bunch of seasons in a row.

AceMagnum, 23 April, 2014

If this has to do with BJs …that’s clever.

habsfan0, 23 April, 2014

אני מאוד בספק אם טימו הוא עוד סמי דייוויס, ג’וניור

Willy the bum, 23 April, 2014

Hockey vocabulary, my friend.

johnnylarue, 23 April, 2014

Garth Snow with the Avalanche?

Just A Guy, 23 April, 2014

Just saw the replays from the 4 goals by Dallas, CBC is painting them as beautiful shots, but some of them should have been saves. I also watched with a bit of schadenfreude as Fleury let in that overtime softie. Then again goalie Bob was a bit of a sieve in the 1st.

Rask on the other hand….

Sucks against the habs lol.

johnnylarue, 23 April, 2014

Indeed. The bar, she is low.

D Mex, 23 April, 2014

As advertised, idiotic.
I’m guessing that, like MacLean, Cam Cole is not bilingual, and quite possibly not a proponent of the concept …

ALWAYS Habs –
D Mex

Just A Guy, 23 April, 2014

it is what it is

habsfan0, 23 April, 2014

Does The Count still scribble behind the bench?

habsfan0, 23 April, 2014

Joe Bowen unavailable as he’s still in mourning over his Laffs.

Cal, 23 April, 2014

Great HIO show, gents. Always fun to listen to Hab talk.
Fleury prevents the Pens from being competitive. He is costing them games. They should have done in the Blue Jackets in five.
Good to see Dallas climb back into their series, as well.
Cooke getting only 7 games is a bleeping joke.

it is what it is tonight in Dallas. Dallas is getting the Goaltending Anaheim is not.

kempie, 23 April, 2014

It absolutely is Vanek. The addition of him to that line bumps guys down and gives the opposition a lot to deal with. Doesn’t hurt that guys like Borque have awoken from their comas. But yeah, I’m really feeling Vanek.

AceMagnum, 23 April, 2014

Excellent.

Hal Gill and Ryan White and Steven Finn with the Sharks

Paul Ranger with the Rangers

Steve Ott with Ottawa

Cal, 23 April, 2014

That guy’s as big an idiot as MacLean.

johnnylarue, 23 April, 2014

I know, I know… just joshin’.

habkin, 23 April, 2014

What bugs me about Fleury is when he smiles after a save or after winning. Price rarely does this.

habsfan0, 23 April, 2014

Moi aussi.
CHeers!

24AW, 23 April, 2014

The cooke suspension is a joke. if a player is injured deliberately, how ever long the injured player is out, the guilty party should be suspended till the injured player returns. Do that Mr. Bettman and you’ll see this Bs cut by 85% – 90%. there’s still the odd idiot that will do it.

JF, 23 April, 2014

I’ve been saying for a couple of years that Bylsma is over-rated as a coach. Every year his team is undisciplined and sloppy in the playoffs, in addition to having no goaltending. They also lose their composure easily and get drawn into extra-curricular stuff instead of playing hockey. This pattern was apparent against us four years ago, and has been repeated every year since.

DipsyDoodler, 23 April, 2014

You can tell when a goalie screws up because the red light hoes on. But why is no one blaming Crosby? He’s been poor.

—–
Moving. Forward.

Marc10, 23 April, 2014

Yeah, National Post…

Let’s stay away. I don’t agree with MacLean in that the league should look at a guy’s background before selecting someone for a game. That’s far too subjective and their are too many variables to consider… you’re bound to be inconsistent in making those calls. But worst of all, you’re giving in to a line of reasoning that challenges your league’s integrity. That’s just plain stupid. You’d be saying if you follow MacLean’s logic that there’s a belief that your officials are not on the level all the time and that to avoid this perception, you’re going to alter your standard operating procedures and give into that line of reasoning to appease outsiders. Dumb. Just dumb.

Now as to this belief the Habs get a different standard of officiating, I think the guys who believe this should prove it. Yes it’s a tough building to play in. Yes a lot of officials grew up idolizing the team as fans (I would imagine with all the brain washing that’s going on across the country, the Leafs would fit in a similar category…)

Bringing the guy’s last name into it is simply bigoted, especially if you’re dealing with a visible minority or if you’re not willing to make the same point for people from other regions. I don’t know that you can escape the premise that this stereotype is born out of prejudice.

The whole ‘francos be biased’ but locals from other parts working high positions of authority being beyond reproach speaks for itself really. I didn’t see you bitch about Daddy Campbell, eh. Well then you really shouldn’t be opening your mouth about some ref with a franco name… N’est-ce pas?

I feel better… Back to hockey from here on in.

habsfan0, 23 April, 2014

The red light district is usually where the hoes are located.

AceMagnum, 23 April, 2014

He’s not playing well but…the dude ain’t poor.

monmick, 23 April, 2014

Patrick and Evander Kane for the Hurricanes…

~~~> Mathematically eliminated…

D Mex, 23 April, 2014

The Cooke suspension is, indeed, a joke.
However, Buttman is unable to do something like this unless Jacobs approves and, given the goon-squad on his NHL payroll, that’s not likely to happen.

ALWAYS Habs –
D Mex

Willy the bum, 23 April, 2014

Crosby’s all talent, no jump.

habsfan0, 23 April, 2014

This was Ron MacLean’s own “Charter of Values.”

Willy the bum, 23 April, 2014

It’s been one day and I’m bored outta my mind. And I do consider watching other teams boring.

Stevie.Ray, 23 April, 2014

Maclean never questioned whether French-Canadian refs should be trusted to ref a game in Montreal. He was questioning whether or not it was a good decision to have a French-Canadian official ref game four specifically as Tampa fans were already blaming (incorrectly) that it was hometown bias that cost the game three. If perchance another equally controversial call was made in game four, it could have led to a very ugly and racist controversy that would overshadow the whole series. If anything Maclean was simply thinking about how to prevent derogatory remarks toward French-Canadians. There are a lot of reasons to dislike Maclean, and especially CBC Sports, but this is not one of them. This was just a host stumbling over his words and accidentally saying something that was easily misinterpreted. He has apologized and clarified his remarks. Time to move on from this phony issue.

Just A Guy, 23 April, 2014

I think every single Blackhawks fan wants to kill Max Lapierre right now lol.

oldschoolhockey, 23 April, 2014

Nothing like watching the Habs when they fly, but hop boy, Chicago and St. Louis are also flying. Playoff hockey is far more exciting to watch. Checking out the game now and I gotta say, fun to watch skill, finished checking, great goaltending and end to end action. Not like the sluggish, penalty laden BS of the regular season.

I’m speechless! 20 years and counting…

Willy the bum, 23 April, 2014

Hope you’re right. Maybe if I would cheer for one of the two teams in a playoff match, it would be exciting for me.

Timo, 23 April, 2014

As mentioned many years ago Timo is a large black Brazilian woman.

oldschoolhockey, 23 April, 2014

That was beautiful! Just getting off the floor….

I’m speechless! 20 years and counting…

Timo, 23 April, 2014

Heh, I just realized that Pietrangelo isn’t playing. What’s wrong with him?

habsfan0, 23 April, 2014

And your wife hasn’t clued into this as yet?

oldschoolhockey, 23 April, 2014

St. Louis putting on a clinic in the third against Chicago. Strong on the puck, fast, standing up. They would be a tough opponent

I’m speechless! 20 years and counting…

Timo, 23 April, 2014

That Tarasenko kid is pretty good.

oldschoolhockey, 23 April, 2014

He’s playing and Terasenko just scored for St. Louis

I’m speechless! 20 years and counting…

Timo, 23 April, 2014

Which part? Black, Brazilian, large or woman?

Timo, 23 April, 2014

Oh… Gee… after he was Babcock’s go to man you’d think one would hear his name front and center. Thanks.

… and they scored just as I finished typing this.

Timo, 23 April, 2014

Yep, Hawks have done literally nothing in the third.

oldschoolhockey, 24 April, 2014

He’s sharp, Bickle just scored, tie game. Great action and not to dirty

I’m speechless! 20 years and counting…

Un Canadien errant, 24 April, 2014

With the number of injuries the Pens had this season, and Kris Letang having a stroke (!), you wonder if they have Nick Riviera as their team doctor.

To be fair when he played the average save% was a bit lower than it is today, but I still agree completely with your point. When he was bashing Lindback I wanted to reach into my TV and slap him. Glenn Healy is the epitome of what is wrong with CBC…. uninformed, loud and utterly disrespectful to anything not maple leaved. If Sportsnet picks him up the contents of my bowels will shift to my pants in disgust.

Un Canadien errant, 24 April, 2014

Anyone but Bob Cole.

I prefer not to have to listen to Dave Ransdorf either, but I’m not allergic or anything.

———————————————————————–My sources are unreliable, but their info is fascinating.–Woody Paige

Who is the play by play for the Hawks game. “Someone will win this game 4 to 3″

Wow, no sh!t. Where do they find these people?

Un Canadien errant, 24 April, 2014

But really, he didn’t say what you said. He focused on French-Canadian refs, he never brought up his Alberta example, which he pulled out of thin air during his apology. He’s been at this job for decades, but never worried about a Toronto ref doing a Sens or Hab or Leaf game before. He’s a smart guy, he’s well-spoken, usually, but now we’re supposed to believe that what he meant to say had “nothing to do with francophones”, whereas that’s exactly, textually, what he said.

Un Canadien errant, 24 April, 2014

Bob Hartley apparently says: “Show me a good goalie, and I’ll show you a good coach”.

AceMagnum, 24 April, 2014

That’s the umpteenth complaint about Dean Brown on this site. lol
Personally, I don’t mind him….comparative to that senile coot Cole.

AceMagnum, 24 April, 2014

MacLean pimping the Leafs again …yes they won the cup 200 years ago.

Timo, 24 April, 2014

Are they for real with these ticket prices? Holy crap.

All you folks who go to these games I’d like what you have in your bank accounts.

The problem with Marc-André Fleury is that the Penguins see/saw potential there, and not just based on hope. They’ve won a Cup with him before, he’s shown that he can do it. He’s a .915 save percentage guy roughly over his career, and has turned it on in the playoffs. He’d let in weak-ish goals, but also make game-savers when it counted, like the one that clinched the Cup for them.

His numbers have not been great in the playoffs, he’s not been above .900 in save percentage the last four seasons, but they would try to look farther down the tunnel to see the light. Over the summer, they could have made a big move, but how do you turn your back on a first-overall draft pick and Cup champion? Instead, he was asked to make some changes, notably to work with a sports psychologist.

I think anyone can see that his issues are of confidence, of focus, that the physical skills are there, and just need to be allowed to shine through. And he came into the season and showed great improvement, racking up wins for this guy’s fantasy team.

So with him cruising, and under contract for another couple of seasons, there didn’t seem to be a need for a trade at the deadline. And that’s when he started fading a little bit. And crashing at the end of the season. And now all the hard work from this summer seems to be crumbling.

The Penguins have been remarkably patient with him, trying to keep their core together, but unless he turns into Martin Brodeur the rest of the way, we have to guess he’s gone this summer, traded away to another team. It will be tough for him to be in that dressing room and look guys in the eye at training camp if he gift wraps this series for the Jackets.

I really do feel for the guy. People seem to derive a sort of sick pleasure from watching him fail (I’m certainly guilty of this myself), primarily because he’s Sidney Crosby’s Goalie, and playing on a team which has long been perceived as sort of unfairly stacked with talent. Perennial contenders.

Fleury humanizes the Pittsburgh Penguins–he becomes their de facto Achilles heel come playoff time, like clockwork, every year. It’s kind of his “thing” now. And it’s easy to imagine that lack of confidence having a trickle down effect on the rest of the roster–the Reaganomics of team sports psychology.

Based on tonight’s performance, it seems like he’s in major need of a change of scenery–perhaps to play for a team with a less weighty expectations on its shoulders. ‘Cause that looked almost comfortingly familiar.

Marc10, 24 April, 2014

That’s one way to look at it Steve. I think the fact that he even thought a ref needed protecting in this instance from a potentially ‘racist’ scenario is interesting. I don’t agree with his proposed solution. If anything it gives credence to that nefarious view and gives it legitimacy.

That said, I get he didn’t have ill intent, but I do question him bringing the topic up about replacing an official because of their perceived hometown status. That has never come up before from Mr MacLean… Ever. As far as I know, he never commented on Colin Campbell running the league’s discipline in spite of the email trail and documented bias. The latter is much more damning in terms of problems that need to be addressed, but you’ve never seen MacLean bring that up… ever. So from my perspective, his comments are odd to say the least. That he feels the need to bring it up vs other much more dramatic instances of perceived bias says something, non?

Hey, but I’m happy to move on. This little tempest was news to me. I had heard racist crap before… I just didn’t believe it was so mainstream that it would get this kind of air time or required any kind of action. You learn something every day.

naweed235, 24 April, 2014

I don’t know why I did this to myself but I somehow ended up watching the Chara / MaxPac incident on youtube again… I feel just as angry now as I did when it happened. What a piece of sh@$ this gorilla is… I’m counting on the old saying “what goes around, comes around” to bring some justice.

AceMagnum, 24 April, 2014

We’re gonna play Detroit. I say relax, take a breath and…start developing a hate for Zetterberg’s beard.

The Jackal, 24 April, 2014

I don’t like to bask in Fleury’s meltdowns but he really ticked me off when he mocked Price a couple of times after the Pens beat us.

______________________
Hockey sine stercore tauri.

BJ, 24 April, 2014

Jacques Cartier had all their autographs, its been that long.

Un Canadien errant, 24 April, 2014

I didn’t think it was mocking as much as one-upmanship. More good-natured than mean-spirited, that’s the way I took it. Two proud competitors joshing each other, knowing the other wouldn’t respond the wrong way (read: Dominic Hasek or Ron Hextall). And, Carey started it anyway.

I was actually hoping we’d get more games, maybe a series against the Pens, and these two would battle and the victor would get the spoils. And the gangsta pose.

There is one feeling about the Pens that i do not have that i do have for most of the other teams it`s fear . Is it because of the Fleury factor or the fact that you can have Sid the kid lose his calm and composure but i just do not see them going very far in the playoffs. Now, as usual i may be wrong but although they have a star filled lineup , there is no fear,no mystery involved a bit like the way i feel about the Bruins. I want to meet them whatever happens when actually maybe i should fear them …

rhino514, 24 April, 2014

I too would rather face the Pens than a few other teams in the conference. We have beaten them in the playoffs with a weaker team than we have now. Fleury always lets in bad goals in the playoffs, and I don´t think he handles the hometown pressure very well. Plekanec would also do a good job of blanketing Crosby.
I hate to say it but I think we would definitely have a better chance against the Pens than against the Bruins. Having said that, Montreal always has a chance at beating the Bruins, but I feel Pitts would have been easier; also less players going to hospital for the third round.

Buzz Lightbeer, 24 April, 2014

Who gives a fuk about what Ron Mclean says or means or any other pundit for that matter. We won,we were better. Next.

Habfan17, 24 April, 2014

Isn’t that wild? All the games in the Pittsburgh – Columbus series have ended 4 to 3!! Has that ever happened before?

Habfan17

Just a Habs Fan, 24 April, 2014

The article isn’t idiotic but the ones that are whining are…….there is absolutely nothing in what he says to cause “grown up ” and reasonably “mature ” people to act like there is. A bunch of kids posting on here…….

Maritime Ronn, 24 April, 2014

Good morning

A little fun stat….maybe not for Pittsburgh.

In the, ” It’s hard to believe” category, who needs Crosby and Malkin in the playoffs when you have… Rene Bourque.

Bourque has 5 goals in his 9 playoff games with the Habs.
Crosby has 0 goals in his last 9 playoff games.
Malkin has 0 goals in his last 8 playoff games.

It looks like $17.4M of Crosby/Malkin Cap space just doesn’t buy you what it used to.

Old Bald Bird, 24 April, 2014

I think it was you last night, who brought up what I have already been thinking. Having Crosby and Malkin on the same team is maybe not the best way to construct a team.

Habfan10912, 24 April, 2014

Weird how that works sometimes, eh Ron. I’ve even noticed that the whinning and chirping to the officials by Crosby has been a lot below normal as well.

Morning Ron!

DeadEnd, 24 April, 2014

Interestingly enough, in the Habs sweep of Buffalo in 1993, all four games ended 4-3, with three of them in overtime.

Habfan10912, 24 April, 2014

Good morning all! I love the morning crew here on HIO. Although I visit this site during the day and early evening hours, its the morning crew who has the best hockey discussions. Late yesterday the 7 game suspension for serial offender, Matt Cooke was announced.

I’d love to hear some of the am crews reaction. Anybody?

Maritime Ronn, 24 April, 2014

Re Matt Cooke suspension of 7 games.

I just listened to the explanation on the NHL video below…had to listen a few times because it was hard to believe.

What was interesting was the following quote at the 2 minute mark:
“Under the CBA, Matt Cooke is NOT considered a repeat offender as he has not been subjected to supplemental discipline since March 2011. However, he has been fined or suspened 9 times….”

Therefore, Cooke is officially NOT considered a repeat offender under the new CBA.
You can’t make this stuff up….

Especially when you have Fleury. His boneheaded “What the heck are you doing” moment cost his team a game last night and very well have cost his team a playoff series.

Habfan10912, 24 April, 2014

Well that’s a bit better then my best guess was. I thought we’d hear a line of crap about how Cooke has worked hard to became a “better” person both on and off the ice and how we shouldn’t let one brief moment tarnish all of the good work he has done since rehabbing himself.

My gosh, just writing that makes me want to vomit.

When the NHL produces these disciplinary explanation videos they should come with that circus music piped in.

It wasn’t me, yet it may be more about the goaltender that cannot stop a playoff beachball.
If he continues on, this will be the 5th playoff year in a row where his SP is below < .899.
No wonder the Penguins have lost more playoff series than they have won since their Cup win .

It makes no sense at all.
Barrie is out most probably for the rest of the playoffs, yet theoretically, Cooke could be available to play in Round 2 if Dallas moves on…and go ‘hunting’ once again.

24 Cups, 24 April, 2014

I wonder how old Rene Bourque would do if he had Dubinsky joined to his hip!

I also think it’s important to note that Columbus is beating Pittsburgh without the services of Horton, Gaborik, Murray and Tyutin.

After last night’s games, it’s almost a certainty that there will be a seventh game somewhere in the NHL next week.
24.4 Cups

CharlieHodgeFan, 24 April, 2014

The best teams are built like the Bruins or the Habs – two potential 50 goal scorers are nice, but money-wise, most superstars aren’t team players. 8 million dollar players can cripple a franchise and make a Cup impossible. If you have 4 or 5 potential 20 goal guys, and maybe one or two 30 goal range players, you have a stronger attack than if you have the one or two go to guys who can get hurt, a la Stamkos, develop howling a-hole habits like Ovechkin or just occasionally struggle like humans as Crosby and Malkin seem to have.
The Habs still could use more size, but Pacioretty, Vanek, Desharnais, Plekanic, Eller, Gallagher, Bourque, Galchenyuk, Markov and Subban provide a lot of dangers to a defence.
Two injuries would hurt the Habs badly, but two injuries can devastate the Pens.
The spreading of the talent pool and the exhorbitant salaries in the hockey business mean teams like the Habs from the 50s to early 80s can’t happen. Can you imagine what Larry Robinson would be able to get now, if our young and erratic wonder PK can talk of 8 million? Robinson would have a load of ponies if he played in 2014.

I like the way the team has been built. They’ve worked well with the players available, and I see it getting better if the draft picks pan out. We’re on the road. It’s fun to watch.

Habfan10912, 24 April, 2014

Hey Black, just wanted to say good morning to you, HIO’s most optimistic poster.

We all should appreciate having the best goalie in the world, eh? CHeers.

Maritime Ronn, 24 April, 2014

Good link.
Saw that a few days ago and maybe that explains all the Bruins anger and frustration.
When a team is that ugly – to the bone and beast ugly, that answers a lot of questions.
Look at Doogie Hamilton.
All he needs is a red nose and he could sub for the clown in the circus with no other head changes or makeup needed.

Habfan10912, 24 April, 2014

All true but what the resurrgance of Bourque has done more then anything is create match up problems for other teams. You focus on shutting down Bourque? Here comes Max and Vanek and Gallagher.

What I’m liking more then anything right now is the seemingly scoring balance we have. It’s similar to the Bruins, without the thuggery, no?

montreal ace, 24 April, 2014

Fleury played that puck like a guy who just does not care, talk about being casual with not a worry in the world. In my world when I am doing something that people depend on, that job gets my full attention. I find Fleury to be a little too nonchalant with his play,

Morning Ace. It seemed lazy to me as well. I’m sure he cares but the appearance says something else, eh?

Maritime Ronn, 24 April, 2014

As you mention, Cap management is huge in this day.
The Hawks really know how to do it as do the Bruins.
The Habs are getting there.
One thing you notice about all the top teams is that they rarely waste cap space or overpay.

Habfan10912, 24 April, 2014

I know its wrong to laugh but worst at darts? That’s friggin funny.

Black Horse, 24 April, 2014

Good morning to you too HF!

” and the fun begins” – Carey Price

Black Horse, 24 April, 2014

I am going out on a limb here & I am ready for the negative comments towards me BUT here it goes …

Keep Chucky & Moen out! The Habs are doing well & don’t mess it up!

This extended rest will do Montreal a world of good. Gally & Prust gets time to rest!

Carey Price gets a rest & few days to go over the Tampa series with Waite to fine tune his game!

Rask will be a non-factor. Montreal is in his head! Rask is 2-9-2 with a 2.77 GAA – .903 SAV%

Montreal is fast & they will use their speed to blow past Bawston. Let Bawston play their game as long as Montreal keeps playing their speed game!

I say Montreal get another Sweep.

Ok ok ok .. 5 at the most!

” and the fun begins” – Carey Price

Maritime Ronn, 24 April, 2014

Dubinski joined to the hip?
The greats always found a way to fight through that stuff in playoff hockey.
I can remember guys like Lafleur and Lemaire getting butchered by the Bruins, yet they always found a way.

…and they were never constant on ice cry babies or slew foot cheap shot artists

There is no way in heck that Galchenyuk isn’t in the lineup when he is healthy. No way.

I’m with you on Moen but Chucky has to play.

montreal ace, 24 April, 2014

I am finding the playoffs like an open season on good players. I watched Rouselle going after Getzlaf, after his 52 stitches in the face, and could not believe it. Backes gets rocked and before you know it tied series, Cook he is a weapon, when it comes to taking out players. This year if the Habs play the Bruins, I am hoping that the team will not be looking for mercy and are just able to defend themselves, cause I have felt like a victimized fan after some of their games.

As is Coach MT’s history, he will probably start Game 1 with the same lineup that played in the Tampa series.

After that 1 game – the score, and how it was played will dictate any changes necessary.
The Bruins will probably goon the net area, so the first change may see Murray for Bouillon or Weaver.

D Man, 24 April, 2014

Probably this thought has been posted several times, but in light of Mclean’s comments are we to assume that it would be better if no referee from Ontario let alone Toronto should ref a Leafs game? I wonder how many time refs from the TO area are used in Toronto games. My guess is it happens often.

You can’t be both a Habs and a Leafs fan

Maritime Ronn, 24 April, 2014

I believe it was both at one time or another.

JF, 24 April, 2014

I’ve thought for several years that it would be better for both the Penguins and Malkin himself if they moved him. When Crosby and Malkin are both in the lineup, Malkin nearly always plays second fiddle to Crosby. But when Crosby is injured, Malkin becomes a leader and a truly dominant player. I think the team would be better in terms of balance with just one of them. They also couldn’t rely on having two superstars to win games; they’d have to actually have a solid goaltender and play a good system.

Maritime Ronn, 24 April, 2014

That’s a relief

24 Cups, 24 April, 2014

I truly wonder about Moen’s future. His concussion history may limit his overall ability to perform as a 4th line plumber.

As for Galchenyuk, I think HI/O posters need to judge his performance this year on what he is actually doing out on the ice, not his potential down the road to be an excellent player.

Sitting Bournival for either one of these guys would be a mistake. I think the decision will ultimately come down to how certain players perform in the second round. A lot will also depend on how Briere is deployed during the next few weeks.

I could live with Galchenyuk in for Prust on the second line with a 4th line comprised of Prust/Bournival/Weise.

This could be an interesting summer for goalie movement in the NHL. Pittsburgh, Washington, Carolina, NYI, St Louis, Minnesota, Winnipeg and Vancouver all need to upgrade or sign UFAs.

24.4 Cups

montreal ace, 24 April, 2014

I have not seen Roy’s reaction to the 7 games Cook got for taking Barrie out of the playoffs. It should be an interesting game tonight

JF, 24 April, 2014

Looking back to the last few weeks of the regular season, I’m starting to realize what a truly remarkable feat it is that the Habs accomplished in sweeping their series. This is a team that was regularly out-shot and out-chanced during the season, a team that needed its goaltender to be outstanding night after night, a team whose defence was more often than not shaky and subject to major gaffes. We would often have a dominant start to games, but our glaring ineptitude or lack of opportunism five-on-five usually prevented our taking a commanding lead. And when we got down by more than a goal, we more often than not had no answer. We were carried by one line, with secondary scoring almost non-existent. And the powerplay, which scored the series-clinching goal with less than a minute to play, had been hopeless since about halfway through the season. No one on the planet would have predicted that we would sweep the Lightning, even without Ben Bishop.

There were perhaps a handful of games out of the entire 82 in which we played for sixty minutes the way we played each of our four games against Tampa. The two games against the Blackhawks come to mind; our last two games against Detroit were also pretty good and three of the four games against the Bruins. But there was nothing to suggest that we’d be able to play like this consistently, nothing to suggest we’d get scoring from all four lines, nothing to suggest we’d be able to win when Price was not at his best – and I maintain he hasn’t yet reached his best in these playoffs.

Looking at our season series against the Lightning in particular, it was reasonable to expect that the games would be low-scoring, very defensive, very tight-checking, with little open ice and no opportunities for odd-man rushes by the Habs. That was how the Bolts played us during the season. The games were close, but they usually had the upper hand, out-shooting us and keeping us for the most part to the outside.

The tables were turned in the playoffs. It was the Bolts who had no open ice, couldn’t generate any speed through the neutral zone, couldn’t solve our aggressive forecheck; while we dominated most of the thirteen periods that were played and had by far the better of the scoring chances.

So forget about the excuses the rest of the hockey world is making. This was an extremely impressive performance, and Michel Therrien and his assistants should take a bow. They did a masterful job of preparing the team.

Dunboyne Mike, 24 April, 2014

Good morning MRonn and Jim.

My initial response was that Quintal made all the correct observations but levied an extraordinarily limp sanction.

Then I realised I had swallowed the NHL doublespeak about “repeat offender” — it is truly Orwellian.

And a total crock. Sorry to bang on, but the ONLY logical explanation (other than incriminating photographs of NHL suits in salacious situations, gangland/mob involvement etc) for the league’s reluctance to deal more severely with players who regularly and deliberately put other players’ careers at risk is that the league WANTS those kinds of players.

Ozmodiar, 24 April, 2014

Nope, no chance. Boston gets at least 2 rounds.

/ new CBA

Mavid, 24 April, 2014

I am kinda lost right now..I have been watching the other games..but I still feel…lost..

Weed Wacker Grandma Smurf

Cal, 24 April, 2014

Have you all noticed the level of thuggery rising this year’s playoffs?
I guess it must be because Colin Campbell is back in charge, right? You know, the same idiot that called the assault on Patches by Chara a “hockey play”?
It is no wonder fans of the sport are sickened by the crap that’s been going on.
In other news, Fleury is terrible and should be replaced by a shooter tutor.

Sure, but we only outplayed Tampa Bay because their starting goalie was injured, and they had a disallowed goal.

Didn’t you hear? Don’t you watch the CBC? Read HiO? We got all the breaks, dontcha know.

Ozmodiar, 24 April, 2014

Shooter tutor stay in the net, at least. You might be on to something.

BJ, 24 April, 2014

A real person that found his true Love. I really hope one day that people wake up and refuse all military BS in favor of providing constructive technology rather than destructive ones. Money should go,exclusively to facilitate life and not be part of a destructive process. Illness and starvation should be the top priorities to eliminate. And stories like Moore’s and his wife are a reminder of that for me.

24 Cups, 24 April, 2014

LOL, Ozmodiar!

The re-emergence of Gorges, Bourque and Eller was also well timed. It’s so great to see Eller find his game.

24.4 Cups

BJ, 24 April, 2014

Look at the positive side. The players are recharging and healing to be able to give their best, as the next series will be a tougher one than the first.

boing007, 24 April, 2014

The whole team plays that way. Overconfident. Smug.

Richard R

boing007, 24 April, 2014

Dubinsky was the better acquisition. Much more valuable than Callahan was for the Bolts.

Richard R

BJ, 24 April, 2014

A good analysis JF. And maybe we can add to that the fact that our first line did not fill the net and that Carey was solid but did not steal any games. I think thats a plus in the sense that it was really a team effort rather than relying on one line and a hot goalie. Its more a team effort that will take us to the next level.

boing007, 24 April, 2014

How prophetic.

Richard R

Bash, 24 April, 2014

Our Habs responded to the Broadstreet Bullies by icing a lineup that could respond physically. I remember when one series opened in Philly; Bowman started his 5 biggest/toughest players including Savard and Lapointe on the wings! Anyone know who the others were?

But I totally agree with other posters that the level of goonery has reached new heights.

The players cannot police themselves. There are no deterrents, just payback.

The NHL refuses to hand out suspensions that would act as deterrents or at least get the idiots out of the league. 7 Games??? What a joke! The victim is gone for the playoffs.

The sad part is that many fans want that shit. I asked a guy last night if he would rather watch a Philly LA final with 100 hits a game or a Montreal Chicago final with 100 shots. Guess what the answer was.

“If all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail.” (anon)

BJ, 24 April, 2014

I like your headline!

Just a Habs Fan, 24 April, 2014

Bash I think many hockey fans enjoy hitting afterall it is a neutralizer for speed of the opposing team. It has been a part of hockey since inception…I like hitting but not goonery…legal hitting is not goonery.

Just a Habs Fan, 24 April, 2014

Cal…are you the same Cal that promised to deck Ron McLean if you ever met him. A very good example of a fool….man what a hyprocrite if there ever was one.

boing007, 24 April, 2014

Too bad he can’t speak French, the PQ are looking for a new leader.

Richard R

New, 24 April, 2014

Nerves are shot.

Kooch7800, 24 April, 2014

how can you give a repeat offender such a light slap on the wrist when he just put out Colorado’s best puck moving D and could essentially kill them in this playoffs

CJ, 24 April, 2014

Good morning Jim.

In a word, disappointing. That said, not entirely surprising……

Bash, 24 April, 2014

Agreed! But in the playoffs many of those “hits” go well beyond physical play. Do you think Lapierre’s “hit” last night warranted a 2 minute penalty?

We are not talking about honest tough hockey here. This is more often deliberate attempt to injure with way too much stuff let go because “it’s the playoffs.”

“If all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail.” (anon)

Habfan17, 24 April, 2014

Thanks for that. I did not remember that!

Habfan17

Phil C, 24 April, 2014

They didn’t hit like this in the 60s. Maybe it was because they didn’t wear helmets so naturally there was more respect. Sometime since then, the NHL lost control of what is acceptable.

Specifically to your point, I agree hitting to slow down a player is a part of hockey. The problem is the hits where the puck carrier is not moving and the hitter is coming with speed. These are the dangerous hits that are against the rules but never called.

Ozmodiar, 24 April, 2014

Yup, Eller creates match-up problems playing like that. Hope he keeps it up.

DipsyDoodler, 24 April, 2014

OK Mike Babcock – time to prove your mettle.

—–
Moving. Forward.

BJ, 24 April, 2014

You are correct regarding the 60’s. If you happen to watch games from that era, the players mostly held back going into the boards. I was at the Forum the night Lou Fontinato had his neck broken on a play where Vic Hadfield did not hold up, this was a rarer occasion where a player wanted to decapitate and Hadfield was that type of a player. But the real stupid business started when the WHA was created and due to a serious lack of talent the goons and 5th line players was mostly what was available and a type of “Roller Ball hockey” was born. Also the NHL expansion contibuted to a certain degree and the two cloned into a type of Broad Street Bullies, which was finally tempered with the Habs trumping brawn with skill.

Cal, 24 April, 2014

Yup, I am one and the same. You see, Just, there’s a difference between on ice thuggery and flattening someone for insulting the whole province. Ron MacLean deserves a broken nose. Maybe it would make him think first before opening his ignorant yap.

frontenac1, 24 April, 2014

Get rid of the Instigator Rule. Guys like Cooke, and Lucic would have been dealt with a long time ago.

Hobie, 24 April, 2014

Yup.

Phil C, 24 April, 2014

Good point about expansion diluting the talent and allowing more goons into the league.

Butterface, 24 April, 2014

I am bored.

You think Tampa would show up to play a game tonight if we asked ?

Maybe tell them we’ll make it a best of nine.

We promise not to disallow any of their goals this time. They can even play Gudļevskis or Bishop or maybe Arturs Irbe and if Stamkos breaks his stick we can give him a do-over.

Exactly. And that is perhaps the most remarkable thing about the series. The players are all absolutely on the same page, playing for each other in a way we’ve rarely seen in recent decades.

montreal ace, 24 April, 2014

I think the NHL plays around with suspensions for the publicity factor, the kind that would be expensive to buy. Tonight its going to be the good guys against the bad guys, and if I’m a Colorado fan I want revenge. I think the lack of discipline from the NHl, is a cheap way for them to get interest at the expense of the stars.

habsfan0, 24 April, 2014

When Carey Price won his 1st playoff round as a rookie in 2008, who among us thought it would be another 6 years! before he would win his next one. Now that he has,one hopes he’s got 3 more under his belt for this season.

Phil C, 24 April, 2014

I don’t know Front, if someone speared you in the berries, would you let the instigator rule stop you from going after him? One PP is not that big a deal, especially in the regular season.

frontenac1, 24 April, 2014

I’m surprised Howdy Doody kept his job after 9/11 when he went on and on comparing Hockey players to the First Responders. What a freaking Jerk!

frontenac1, 24 April, 2014

It would allow somebody else to tune him up amigo. Worked great for Gretzky. He admitted it. Instant Justice.

Kooch7800, 24 April, 2014

true enough.

Butterface, 24 April, 2014

Maybe they can sign Glenn Healy for the game. He must be good if he is able to throw so many present day goalies under the bus.

IMO Glenn Healy is a douche.

Another point, maybe Ron MacLean thinks a ref from Quebec could be biased against a team because the HNIC crew are all Toronto Fans and their commentary is completely biased as well.

TV money, the rights to broadcast the games, is the main issue in hockey, and this was not the case back in the old days.

The owners want a return on their investment. They have risked their money and they want to see their money work for them.

The TV broadcasters understand that the speed of hockey, the skating, is mostly lost on television. You can not sell the speed to the average viewer, the new viewer, the guy who has never played the game, because the skating does not impress nearly as much on TV as it does live in the arena. Like ski racing, or car racing, television usually does not pick up the speed.

So where is the money? How can the NHL draw bigger TV ratings and therefore more TV revenue?

Physical play, hitting, the harder the better, fills the need.

I would guess that many thousands of people have been asked to judge the entertainment value of the NHL on TV, and the numbers who
are interested in physical play are probably very high.

Big, physical, players are here to stay. Amongst this new generation of bigger, stronger players we will find the minority who play over the edge, break the rules, show little respect, and they need to be stopped.

Timo, 24 April, 2014

Carey played on some truly stellar teams since then too

frontenac1, 24 April, 2014

Kinda looked like Getzlaf started that tussle with Rouselle to me.

24 Cups, 24 April, 2014

Great post, Jane. A must read for all fans.

24.4 Cups

Cardiac, 24 April, 2014

In his defense, Carey played exceptionally well against Boston in 2011 (3-4 with three of those loses in OT, 2.11 GAA and .934 S%.

“There’s genius everywhere, but until they turn pro, it’s like popcorn in the pan. Some pop… some don’t.”
– Jerry Maguire

frontenac1, 24 April, 2014

I love the way the Habs get into the Bruins Heads! Perfect. Trust me on this, they are Not comfortable playing us.

rhino514, 24 April, 2014

I think there is truth to both points.
We seem to have a core of guys who elevate their play come playoff time. Ironically, we have lambasted management for acquiring two of them; Bourque and Briere.
On the other hand, Lindback had a .890 save percentage. You figure if Bishop plays to his average, he nullifies, what, 2, maybe 3 goals? Considering 3 of the games were decided by one goal, that is huge.
I will never understand how we were one of the lowest scoring teams during the regular season. If it was a conscious plan to be able to carry that style into the playoffs, I didn´t see see the stifling, boring brand of hockey that we saw throughout most of the season. We won playing the type of hockey that best suits us.
Eller said it best recently “You saw two teams with pretty good offences”. Why, then, didn´t Montreal show it during the regular season?
EVERY single forward on the habs except Pacioretty and Desharnais, apart from his first twenty games, had an off year.Gues what; it wasn´t an off year, it was part of implementing a very rigid system. I don´t think you can motivate players to play this way for more than a season, but I guess we´ll see.

DipsyDoodler, 24 April, 2014

Isn’t goals what the average viewer wants?

—–
Moving. Forward.

Cardiac, 24 April, 2014

Grinding > Truculence

“There’s genius everywhere, but until they turn pro, it’s like popcorn in the pan. Some pop… some don’t.”
– Jerry Maguire

frontenac1, 24 April, 2014

Reports. Zetterberg back for Game 4. Interesting.

Strummer, 24 April, 2014

You must be bored when you start responding to your own posts

______________________________________________________
“It’s just an opinion- I could be wrong”

Psycho29, 24 April, 2014

Good Morning All,
Thanks to 24 Cups for posting this article on the CBC:

I found this part interesting, surprised nothing more was made of this:

“Meanwhile, Hubert Lacroix, the president of the CBC, spent part of his winter addressing reports that he’d been compelled to return $30,000 in bogus living expenses. He called the matter an honest mistake. Just one in a string of many, to be sure.”

Kooch7800, 24 April, 2014

Who knows why they do it but it is BS. If I am colorado’s owner I would be pissed cause this really hurts his chances at more revenue because of a thug who gets 10 goals a year and has ruined more than one career.

They have not learned anything from the Bertuzzi – Moore situation. Moore should have been suspended for his hit on Nasland. I doubt the situation would have ended up as badly as if he would have got a few games.

Colombiahabs, 24 April, 2014

Ya one of them is a game and the other one is a criminal offence. You are a sad little man

Dunboyne Mike, 24 April, 2014

Ed, I’d say you are pretty close to the NHL’s view of hockey and the business plan that has evolved. I don’t think they’re right, and I curse them for their lack of faith in the game itself. I also believe their actual view is even a bit darker than this, in that they tacitly approve dirty play and retribution, and the media interest it generates. No such thing as bad publicity.

Dunboyne Mike, 24 April, 2014

Shout-out to a poster from London (not Ontario) who appeared briefly here (during/after Game 1?).

I’m going to be in London tomorrow and Saturday, St John’s Smith Square area. I’m with New Dublin Voices in a competition taking place there, so time won’t be my own. But any time I’m not in tuxedo I’ll be clearly identifiable as a Habs fan. Would love to say Hi if you’re around at all.

Paz, 24 April, 2014

Yes, that’s true. But no matter how much the viewer wants goals the game of hockey can only provide about 5 per game.

Hits? 80- 100 per game.

Dunboyne Mike, 24 April, 2014

Don’t be silly, Strummer.

Dunboyne Mike, 24 April, 2014

Why shouldn’t he be silly?

Dunboyne Mike, 24 April, 2014

Because it’s ok to respond to your own posts.

Dunboyne Mike, 24 April, 2014

No it’s not. It’s silly.

DipsyDoodler, 24 April, 2014

Makes no sense.

From a pure business standpoint you wouldn’t want Toews or Crosby to be sidelined with concussions.

The average viewer probably wants to see exciting plays and goals more than anything.

Teams make more money when they win. Teams that finish at the bottom lose money, teams that make the playoffs make money.

Concussions and dirty plays are not good for business. Just ask St.Louis or Colorado.

—–
Moving. Forward.

Dunboyne Mike, 24 April, 2014

Do you even WATCH hockey??!!

krob1000, 24 April, 2014

I just read this a few minutes ago suggesting he is likely out…where are you seeing he is going to play?

I’m with you Dipsy. But just try telling that to Bettman and the suits.

Paz, 24 April, 2014

100% agree with your last statement, Mike.

That is the nature of the beast.

DipsyDoodler, 24 April, 2014

I think viewers also want their team to be competitive. I’d guess Colorado is making more money this year than last.

In my opinion the major problem isn’t the owners, it’s the players and the culture of the game. It’s the players who are opposed to longer suspensions. It’s the NHLPA that made Cooke a non repeat offender.

It’s the culmination of three months of research and building equipment (installing a ball-cock in a camp cooler, building a copper draining manifold, constructing an immersion chiller, setting up a carbon water filter) and buying 40-litre pots etc.
The plumbing guy at Home Depot is my new bestie.

It’s gonna be an interesting first try, should work out well though, I’m quietly confident. By this afternoon, I should have 20 litres of General Montgomery Pale Ale (name my own invention, look him up - amazing story) fermenting away.

Wish me luck!

—Hope Springs Eternal—

Butterface, 24 April, 2014

It was either that or read another post about firing Therrien or sitting Weaver or playing Tinordi.

hmmm….maybe some pp time and teh odd shift to see how he holds up. He is a gamebreaker but won;t be able to do his thing on his own like normal likely at this point…maybe pair him with PAvel? That is interesting though….if e gets healthy they get a heck of a lot scarier.

Dunboyne Mike, 24 April, 2014

Lots of potentially or originally good things get hijacked by suits: healthcare; senior citizen programmes; food; universities; voluntary organisations; political parties.

Professional hockey is another.

There is no regulation, right? Therefore, the purity of the thing is extremely straightforward: anything that increases revenue = good. That includes notoriety and horrendous injuries. Just hear Michael Douglas saying it in Wall Street: “Good”.

Dunboyne Mike, 24 April, 2014

The collusion of the NHLPA suits the suits just fine.

Strummer, 24 April, 2014

Oh the Inanity!

______________________________________________________
“It’s just an opinion- I could be wrong”

Mike, I looked your group up on Youtube. Nice choir. Which one are you, I didn’t see anyone with a Habs jersey.

Timo, 24 April, 2014

I wish luck to whoever is brave enough to try your brew.

Dunboyne Mike, 24 April, 2014

Good luck, Matty.
If you’re recycling bottles, watch out for the vapour from the special fluid you use for cleansing them. It makes your lungs seize up! The effect does go away, of course, otherwise I would not be typing this.

DipsyDoodler, 24 April, 2014

Furthermore, I don’t think many of the owners care about the game one way or another.

Making your own Booze Matty? Good luck amigo! I knew a couple of guys that were running a still at their Deer Camp north of Highway 7. Haven’t heard from them in a few years now.
Saludos!

Dunboyne Mike, 24 April, 2014

Hmm. Maybe try it first on people who are ALREADY blind?

Paz, 24 April, 2014

And who can afford to go to the games? For the most part it’s the other suits, and not the average Joe is it? Who can afford the 10 dollar beers or the 10 dollar smoked meat?

I went to game 3 vs Flyers in 2010, which we won! by the way.

6 of us. Total cost? 2000 dollars for tickets and refreshments.

The average fan has to watch on TV. Many in the States have probably never played, or even skated. But they know about aggressive, even violent play, for sure.

This is where the growth is. At home. On TV. Watching big men hit each other into oblivion.

Dunboyne Mike, 24 April, 2014

Are you asking me that?

Of course they don’t care. Like I said, the formula is simple: revenues up = good.

Psycho29, 24 April, 2014

Sounds like a sequel to Breaking Bad….

Timo, 24 April, 2014

A few nice looking ladies. I should try the choir… sounds like I’d enjoy it.

Paz, 24 April, 2014

Some owners are clearly more involved and more interested than others.

Geoff Molson still plays hockey regularly, full equipment, for example.

Fansincebirth, 24 April, 2014

Every time I see something serious happen on the ice due to some asshole on skates, I cringe and say to myself, “okay, they have to suspend him for ___ number of games for that if they want to prove they are serious about cleaning up the game”. Unfortunately, I have been proven wrong many more times than I have been proven right.

I’ve watched hockey for a lot of years and I clearly remember the days of the Broad Street Bullies. Teams would ice big strong players, a lot of fast guys too and generally the two didn’t mix. The big boys beat up other big boys and things went on like that. Today, it’s all about trying to injure. Elbows and shoulders to the head, knee on knee, crushing hits from behind and so on. When Max was taken out by Chara, I honestly thought I had just witnessed my first fatality in a hockey game.

Maybe the league will finally get a grip when someone is killed on the ice….or maybe not.

Paz, 24 April, 2014

The GM’s are looking to draft Lucic’s in every draft, just ask Bergevin.

A fan on another site – not a Habs fan – complained that the Habs get more PPs in the last 5 minutes of the game than anyone else, and always has.

Curious about this, I checked out all the game sheets from this regular season.

Montreal PPs in the last 5 minutes: 27
Opposition PPs in the last 5 minutes: 23

4 is a totally irrelevant gap, as most teams won’t be even, there are going to be others with similar ‘advantage’.

Just posting this in case any of you encounter that BS and want some numbers to back it up.

Cal, 24 April, 2014

I am neither. However, you are a pc wanker. There. We’re all even.

Fansincebirth, 24 April, 2014

The issue here is that Lucic will never spear anyone in the nads who is big enough to fight him so he has no fear of retaliation. Emelin or DeKeyser would have taken a beating from Lucic (or Chara stepping in) for trying to stick up for themselves.

As much as I hate the violence in the league, it’s time and long overdue for one of these idiots to be on the receiving end of the type of hit that makes you wince….a bit hypocritical, I know.

bwoar, 24 April, 2014

Count me in too. I don’t see a reason to change this lineup at all.

L Elle, 24 April, 2014

Hab fans have talent! Awesome job Dunboyne.

Dunboyne Mike, 24 April, 2014

Bass or tenor?

Dunboyne Mike, 24 April, 2014

What Strummer said, 10.09!

Dunboyne Mike, 24 April, 2014

Thanks L Elle, but I’m not the one making beer in my basement!

Dunboyne Mike, 24 April, 2014

Actually, Timo. We are splitting a concert in Dublin on Monday night with a choir from… Calgary.

Habfan10912, 24 April, 2014

You mean like Leaf fans and NHL Player Safety personal?

Habfan10912, 24 April, 2014

Anything made by a good, kind man’s hands will surely be a treat. CHeers Matty.

shiram, 24 April, 2014

Bergeron, Kopitar, Toews finalists for Selke

Habfan10912, 24 April, 2014

I was in the choir is elementary school. The teacher told me to just move my mouth and pretend to sing.

My bias statement has always been the Leafs always get the most 5 on 3’s. Followed close by NJ and Carolina. Provably not true but it sure seems that way to me.

Hobie, 24 April, 2014

No Plekanec eh?

shiram, 24 April, 2014

No, I was hoping they’d show the honorable mentions or something, but I could not find it.

ffenliv, 24 April, 2014

And that’s the crux of it all, right? “seems like”. I love the passion of sports fandom, I love getting invested in a game, a season, all that, but personally it irks me when fans bring ‘seems like’ to a debate where people are trying to ‘win’.

Hobie, 24 April, 2014

Great observation from Eric Engels:

You can’t defend some of the curious decisions Therrien made throughout the season–at least not in the lens of immediate, minute-by-minute analysis. But, when you take the long view, it’s so painfully obvious that this team was being prepared to play the only style of game that renders a team successful in the post-season.

Don’t mistake any of that “grinding” talk for a departure from the team playing to its strengths: Speed and skill. It was all about reinforcing work habits that would enable their speed and skill to win the day.

“That’s a process, and that’s the way I see it,” Therrien said, justifying a mentality he intended to cultivate throughout the season. “For me, hard work is the most important thing. Skill–yes, you need skill. But hard work is always going to beat skill,” the coach surmised in explaining how he wanted his team to interpret that now-famous comment.

frontenac1, 24 April, 2014

When I was a Lad,”Choir Practice” had nothing to do with singing. Slainte Amigo!

ffenliv, 24 April, 2014

I really like Plex, but I think he’s just inside the second tier of forwrds they’d consider for this award. That’s not taking anything away from him. He does his job, and does it very well.

shiram, 24 April, 2014

new thread

cautiousoptimist, 24 April, 2014

If you dig that stuff, check out the 6-second beat that changed the world: the Amen Break. When the Levee Breaks uses that same beat slowed way down — one year later. : )

—Devils coach Jacques Lemaire on the Daneyko-Kaminski feud – “Daneyko got mad when Kaminski said he was going to knock his teeth out. Dano has only two teeth left, so you can’t say that to Dano.”

Old Bald Bird, 24 April, 2014

Yes Paz, I agree, but it has become a game of catch-up. You have to bulk up to survive because of the way that the game has gone. Otherwise, would McCarron have been our #1 choice? (I like the choice btw.)

JF, 24 April, 2014

That was a very insightful piece by Engels. Most of us at one point or another during the season condemned the way Therrien was using his players and the kind of hockey we thought the team was playing. We were mystified by his telling the players they were a grinding team. We thought it meant endless dump-and-chase rather than attacking as a five-man unit. When you look at it the way Engels does, as a way of preparing the players for the only kind of hockey that can succeed in the playoffs, many things fall into place, including the apparent sacrifice of a lot of offence in order to firmly implant this style of play. This alone tells us something about the extent to which the players bought into Therrien’s system and were willing to make sacrifices.

boing007, 24 April, 2014

Call the Cops! Moonshine operation in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve.

Richard R

kalevine, 24 April, 2014

very touching. What a stand up guy that Moore is. Too bad he didn’t settle here. I still remember his key goals in the 2010 playoff run

boing007, 24 April, 2014

Stellar Massive Holes.

Richard R

kalevine, 24 April, 2014

sure there’s a chance, which might effectively evaporate tonight

zip by, 24 April, 2014

testing…. un… deux… un….deux……testing…..

is there an actually video??? link??

update: i have addblocker on my firefox browser – disabling that plugin allows the video link to work….

too bad – insisting on pop up ads is not very user friendly – in addition the ad they want me to see so much is for montreal real estate…. not so relevant to someone who lives hundreds of miles away…. tant pis

Mattyleg, 26 April, 2014

Yeah, I think it has to do with the sponsors who pay HI/O for their ad at the beginning of the vid.